Physio suspended for having sexual relationships with players

Described by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal one of the first cases of its kind, physiotherapist Tania Suzanne Williams had her registration cancelled for a year after being found out to have had sex with two rugby players while in her care.

Described by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal one of the first cases of its kind, physiotherapist Tania Suzanne Williams had her registration cancelled for a year after being found out to have had sex with two rugby players while in her care.

In her defence, Williams told the Tribunal that she is inexperienced and she didn’t realise that the two premier rugby player were technically her patients.

The incidents occurred between April and October 2014, after she earned herself contract to treat team’s players in an union tournament.

“Ms Williams’ conduct in entering into sexual relationships with both patients is a clear and significant departure from acceptable professional standards,” said the Tribunal.

“The practitioner acknowledged that her behaviour had been unacceptable and that she had breached professional boundaries with both patients.

“Ms Williams states that at the time she was unaware of the definition of a ‘patient’ in a sports context and that she acted in a naive and irresponsible manner.”

“Ms Williams expressed her remorse for the hurt she had caused and in her evidence apologised to the complainants.”

She also added that the relationships she had with the two players were consensual and her job can be quite lonely at times.